Flea Market

Okay, so if you have a lot to sell, but you don't want to deal with people coming to your house,
or putting up signs....a local flea market is a good way to go.

Scope out your local flea market when it is in operation and find out the rules of that particular one.  Ask  the owners when is the earliest that you can claim a table.  Many folks say you have to spend the night or come at the ungodly hour of 3 or 4 am.   I, personally, have never gone before 6 am.  Some Flea Markets will let you bring your own tables to set up.

It really is a good idea to bring an extra table anyway.  You can use it to make an L by placing it against the flea market table.  This makes for better layout and presentation of more items.  -The easier it is to see your items, the more likely are people to buy them!  And if you put it against the flea market table in the shape of an L, you will not be charged with an extra space!

People like to see clean, neat, prepared items.  Bring a nice looking  table cloth or sheet to put on the table before you start putting your items out.

Craigslist is better for larger furniture or heavy items.  Don't go carting large heavy items to the flea market unless you realize that you may have to also cart them back home!   Do price all your items!   Price them with a price that is double what you really want for them.   So as soon as someone touches it you can exclaim....You can have that for half price!  People are always amazed at that!   ; )     Also, as with the yard sale, do not sit down and use this time for visiting...you must speak to everyone that comes to your table.  You will get alot more sales.

It is better to come with someone because that way it is easier to get away if you have to use the restroom. If you can't find someone to go with you, try to position yourself near a bathroom and do make a friend with someone around you.  They can watch your table for 2 minutes if you need to go!  ; )

 Also, bring something to eat and something to drink. Otherwise you will end up spending the money you are making on food at the flea market because you are hungry!  It all adds up!

Find out ahead of time how much you will need to pay for your table at the flea market.  This is usually pretty low.  .  . in our town the fee is $10 for an outside table.  Some folks pay a higher fee to keep their items year round on the inside.  Talk to the individual who collects your money if you are interested in being a regular.

Make sure you go prepared with some change.  You can lose a sale if an early buyer can't get change back for his $50!

Save your grocery bags.  Recycle them as bags for your customers to carry their new treasures away! ; )

If it is an outdoor Flea Market, know what the weather will be.  Come prepared with layers!  So as the day gets warmer you can take off some of the layers!  You may need to bring a tarp if there is a chance of rain, or a large umbrella if it is too sunny.  Watch your weather reports.  If it is too cold, people don't like to stop, they are trying to keep warm.  If it is too hot, they are too miserable to stop and look at your items.  So just keep that in mind.

Keep in mind paydays!  A great deal of people get paid on the first and fifteenth of the month.  So these
are good days to get out and sell!

Remember to smile!  Again, engage the buyers in conversation!  You will increase your sales, and maybe make a few friends!  Do not get offended by buyers trying to get a deal.  Remember, they don't care how long you have saved it or how much you paid for it.  Decide ahead of time not to get offended when dealers walk off with a treasure from you and gleefully say, "I am going to sell this for three times what you sold it to me for!"   Did you make some money from it?   Did you get rid of it?  Did you need it?  Did it make more room in your house?   Did it make your living space bigger because it is gone?  Then, BE HAPPY!

Lastly, if you want to really get crazy, keep your eyes out for someone who is having a bad day at sales.  (There are plenty out there.)   After you pack up to leave, walk up to them and give them 10% of your earnings for the day!  No strings attached.  Just say have a great day!   That little kindness ripple will go on for a long time!  ; )  You never know who you will impact!  People never expect it!  ; )